VGP welcomes new CCO

Van Genechten Packaging appoints former Stora Enso VP Strategic Packaging Innovation Olaf Starken as new CCO, and sets sights on accelerated growth strategy.

Turnhout, September 16th 2024 | Van Genechten Packaging (VGP) today proudly announces the appointment of Olaf Starken as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective January 1st 2025. 

Olaf Starken joins VGP after 5 years at Stora Enso Packaging Material, where he most recently held the role of VP Strategic Packaging Innovation. Prior to Stora Enso, Starken spent 17 years at PacProject, where he served as Managing Director, successfully leading commercial and strategic initiatives for multinational brand owners. Starken brings a wealth of customer engagement, team leadership and innovation management experience to the role. 

Frank Ohle, Chief Executive Officer, said of the partnership:

As we aim to accelerate our growth strategy and expand our customer base, Olaf joins us at an ideal time in our journey. His industry knowledge and broad experience will be instrumental as we strive to achieve our ambitious goals, both in Europe and beyond.” 

Olaf Starken added:

I am really looking forward to my new role. The opportunity to develop and implement innovative, sustainable packaging solutions alongside inspiring customers, experienced partners, and the great VGP team is very exciting.
I am confident that we can achieve a lot together and look forward to working with you.”

The appointment of a new CCO comes just months after VGP announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares of DOT2DOT Group, further strengthening the Belgian company’s European market position in premium packaging and significantly extending its multinational customer base.  

About Van Genechten Packaging (VGP)

Where people, brands and folding carton meet, that is where the magic happens at VGP, every single time. For 190 years VGP has believed in the unique impact of packaging for brands and products, for people and the planet, and made it work.

One of the last truly independent European packaging specialists. Present in 9 countries, with HQ in Turnhout, Belgium, and 12 folding carton sites, 1 extrusion site, and 1 rigid box design and production center. Customers have come to value both this presence and independent spirit: including VGP’s ‘people first’ approach, where customer-centric collaboration is key to success. It has won the company many leading industry awards. 

VGP generates an annual revenue of more than 450 million euros. As a leading provider of packaging in European fast-moving consumer goods, the company continues to grow in printed folding cartons, offset laminated corrugated board, POS displays and a wide range of other packaging solutions.
 

Contact Us
sales@vangenechten.com
Heidi Vanspauwen
Group Marketing & Communications Director
Raadsherenstraat 2
B-2300 Turnhout
Tel: 0032 14 40 36 40